Malcesine Castle Wedding Photographer

Malcesine Castle Wedding Photographer

James McConnachie Wedding Photography

Destination wedding photographer James McConnachie.

Creative, vintage wedding photography across the UK, Europe and worldwide.

Malcesine Castle Wedding Photographer – Lee & Laura got married! After a short engagement, a new house and a dog they have now tied the knot at Lake Garda, Italy in Malcesine Castle. Malcesine is located on the narrow strip of Lake Garda on its eastern side. Scaliger castle itself was once a commune but the town and castle is one of the most attractive tourist spots. Besides the beauty of the area and surrounding mountains the town itself has a photographic spot on every corner.

If you’re a food and wine lover there are more places to eat than I could count on my walks. Being slightly in the north of Italy there is a mixture between Italian and Austrian cuisine. On one night I had pizza with a hugo to wash it down and the next night a Bavarian beer with pommes frites and bratwurst. By the way a hugo is all my friends now drink after this trip out.

The First Day

On arrival I sought out Lee & Laura who were some where in the labyrinth style streets of the town in the 81F heat. I found them in a restaurant near one of the many waterfronts by the lake. As soon as the sun was low I convinced them to have a portrait session with me by a small water area. This was a bit of an un-official pre-wedding shoot teaser but it also gave me a feel for the light and colours.

I have gotten to know Lee and Laura quite well over the years when I first met them. Lee is a friend of mine and approached me last year to look after his wedding photography. I first photographed Lee at his gym watching him shadow box! Then later on did some professional business portraits as well for his security portfolio.

The Wedding Day

The next day I headed out to the castle and as always the first to arrive and last to leave on any wedding day. After quite a walk always uphill through the streets I found the entrance and meeting point. I had a quick look around and checked my photography positions for the brides arrival for later.

Lee and his children arrived soon after and I finally started official photography of the Groom and Best man.

Malcesine Castle Wedding Photographer

Malcesine Castle Wedding Photographer

Lee and the wedding party moved to the upper seating area near the entrance to the ceremony area and I moved myself to where the bride was going to arrive in her tuk-tuk.

The Wedding Ceremony

Laura arrived with her dad surrounded by tourists who also joined me in taking photo’s as she climbed the first level of steps. I then joined Lee and awaited his first glance at the bride.

Bride and Groom Photography

Malcesine Castle Wedding Photographer

After the ceremony I had a very short time to make use of the castle before they opened the doors to the public. We quickly went through the formal photography and let everyone get cooled down and hydrated. Lee & Laura with kids in tow then went to various pre-chosen points of the castle with me and my small team of helpers. This is what we captured…

The bridal party followed the newly weds to the reception are next. It is really really hot so everyone including myself needed a well deserved drink after the portrait sessions.

Once the afternoon reception was over everyone retreated for a 4 hour break and to get ready for the evening. At sunset everyone arrived at Al Cervo Ristorante for a four course Wedding Breakfast.

I have covered a lot of photography for various different emotional situations. As an observer behind the lens you tend to become slightly separated from it all and concentrate on what’s in front of you. In this case I am attached to the wedding party and part of what is going on.

This part caught me by surprise though. During the grooms speech his children received a card from their dad. Lee was giving out gifts to a selected few and although Lee tried to continue his speech they started reading out loud what the card said. Lee laughed and so did the wedding party, but the boys continued and suddenly they burst into tears!

Lee comforted them and said “Its ok, see, its over now and we have a new home.”

This is what the card reads;

“To Harry, Jacob, Jed

Thank You, much appreciated!

For being the kindest most understanding boys a father can have accepting Laura in your lives.

I know that it has been hard for you to adapt. I am looking forward to watching you grow into young men.

Love you with all my heart.

Daddy & Laura xxxx”

I heard this from the children reading it out, saw their tears and the grand parents and suddenly felt tearful myself. I am a dad of two boys myself of roughly the same age as Lee’s and I think for that moment my mind was on them. My son’s have also been through a rough time in a similar situation as well. Plus working away can take its toll sometimes but I quickly checked myself and re-engaged with the job at hand.

After the Wedding Breakfast everyone pretty much got into party mode…

Malcesine Castle Wedding Photographer

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